Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
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929. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason the freephone support service for those in direct provision is provided by a service (details supplied) using Departmental funding; if he plans for his Department to take over this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30554/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The service as referred to by the Deputy was established in May 2020 as an additional support for International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) residents. IPAS understands that not everybody feels comfortable contacting the Department directly. The provision of this non-IPAS managed helpline, takes cognisance of that and is a specific measure to alleviate that concern.

The confidential support helpline provides an additional avenue to discuss issues or problems a resident may have with their accommodation or other issues of concern in confidence. Residents can of course contact IPAS directly if they prefer.